Michael Allen awarded OBE

Saturday 16th June 2012

Michael Allen OBE cpt ChrisTaylorPhotography.com

Michael Allen, former Chair of The Wildlife Trusts, has been awarded an OBE for services to nature conservation.

During his career and after his retirement, Michael Allen dedicated much of his time to voluntary and community work. He was Honorary Secretary of the British Trust for Ornithology and Chairman of the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire Wildlife Trust for nine years.

Michael Allen was appointed Chair of The Wildlife Trusts in 2005 following a two-year period as Honorary Secretary. During this time he travelled extensively around the UK, building up a strong understanding of the strength and diversity of the movement. On his retirement, Michael was praised, in particular, for his calm statesmanship and sense of humour.

On receiving the OBE, Michael Allen, said:

“Retirement allowed me the opportunity to throw myself into all sorts of activities, particularly those connected with the environment, and especially the conservation of wildlife, which I’ve been passionate about for most of my life. I’m very touched to have been given this honour and to have had the opportunity to work with my friends and colleagues in The Wildlife Trusts in this important enterprise.”

Stephanie Hilborne OBE, Chief Executive of The Wildlife Trusts, said:

"Michael has been a key figure in the last ten years of our movement's history and contributed a great deal to the success of our centenary celebrations this year. His OBE is a great way to recognise his authoritative chairmanship and to thank him for the passion for wildlife and for education that he has shown throughout his life. His sharing of his joy in nature has enriched many people's lives and continues to do so."

The full list of the Queen's Birthday Honours is available to view here.